Farewell Gifts for Jon Stewart…or YOUR Special Someone

Tonight, the man I have gone to bed with for many, many years, is leaving. He’s not just leaving me, he’s leaving behind millions and millions of loyal viewers of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show who tuned in nightly to hear his brilliant analysis of the day’s events, delivered with equal doses of comedy, irreverence and genuine passion for wanting to make our country and the world a better place. Oh, Jon Stewart, how I will miss you!

Technically, I wasn’t invited to one of his farewell parties–probably because we’ve never met!–but if I had been, here are some gifts I would consider giving:

Organized play date with his BFFs-on one of his recent shows, Jon said that among his favorite guests were comedians, because he was just hanging out and talking with his friends. In that spirit, I would give him an invitation to a play date that I had already scheduled with some of his best buddies including Denis Leary, Steve Carell, Jerry Seinfeld, Stephen Colbert and Louis C.K. I could imagine these guys having a blast racing go-karts or even playing laser tag, followed by some amazing New Jersey pizza or a meal at a Jersey diner with a menu that is at least 18 pages long.

Lifetime membership to history museums-Jon is a student of history and can’t get enough of it, as evidenced by the many historians who have stopped by the show over the years. (My personal favorite is Doris Kearns Goodwin, because she has an amazing ability to make the past come alive with entertaining and insightful stories.) A lifetime membership to the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of American History would keep keep him busy and indulge one of his passions.

Donation to his favorite charity-I can’t think of anyone more passionate about those currently and formerly in the military. From challenging President Obama on why only 1% of Americans are bearing the burden of the country’s foreign wars to repeatedly being outraged at how long it takes veterans to get their healthcare needs met, Stewart reminded viewers of the sacrifices made by those serving our country. A donation to the charity he created to help veterans enter the television industry would be a gift that not only would make Stewart smile, but help talented veterans achieve their career dreams.

Movie tickets to the upcoming Star Wars movie-Stewart is a huge Star Wars fan and was literally giddy with excitement when he interviewed the film’s director, J.J. Abrams. I’d put together a movie basket of Star Wars paraphernalia (which his kids would also dig) and some IOUs for movie tickets to The Force Awakens, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2015.

If YOU are looking for a farewell gift for someone who is retiring or moving on to their next adventure, these gift ideas would work as well—just modify them to meet the person’s interests. And if you’re lucky enough to be celebrating with Jon Stewart, please tell him I said thank you for tucking me in with a smile on more nights than I can count!